Abstract

Objective This study aimed to assess the hypercholesterolemia (HC) and some sociodemographic factors related on it in adults people in the north of Iran during three months in 2006. Methods This is a crossec-tional-descriptive study based on the population and 1995 cases (997 men and 998 women) between 25-65 years old, were selected by cluster and stratify sampling in the north of Iran. We interviewed all of the cases and deter -mined anthropometric and biochemical indexes. Plasma cholesterol and glucose measured in the morning after an 12-hour fast. Cholesterol and fasting blood glucose (FBS) were determined using laboratory kits (enzymatic methods),and spectrophotometery technique. The SPSS. 15 software analyzed data. HC was defined by a serum choles-terol level over 200 mg/dl. Results Mean of the age was 39. 2 year old and mean Â±SD of serum cholesterol in men and women was 196. 7Â±39. 11 and 209. 4Â±42. 9, respectively. Prevalence of HC was significantly differenced between men (44. 7%) and women (57%),(P <0. 05) and the mean of serum cholesterol significantly differenced among age groups, residential area, physical activity level, BMI level and central obesity, separately (P < 0. 001). Weekly consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish were 4.84,3.65 and 2 times, respectively. Vegetable and fish were consumed in HC group more than non -HC group. Conclusion HC is one of the most health problems in the north of Iran and it is more in women than men. Life style and food behavior are the more common risk factors for it. Thereby modify of social behavior and diet can be decline incidence of cardiovascular disease.